Syed Zameer Raza Safvi
In 2017, I attended the Bali Democracy Forum in Jakarta, Indonesia. The event was attended by diplomats from various countries, Indonesian ministers, and students representing their nations. During lunch, I met a senior Al-Jazeera journalist from the Arab world. Upon learning that I was from Kashmir, his reaction was intriguing and made me curious about the reason behind it. He explained that during the 1990s, he was a journalist assigned to cover events in Kashmir. However, he and his colleagues were denied entry into Kashmir and were deported from New Delhi airport by the authorities. He did not ask me questions but stated that he was well-informed about the Kashmir issue. He concluded by asserting that Kashmiris are responsible for their own suffering because they are unclear about their true desires. According to him, they often shift their stance based on the prevailing situation, and the leadership in Kashmir is selfish and uninterested in resolving the issue.
I always believed in the same narrative because I grew up in Kashmir and witnessed everything firsthand. Looking at the past political scenario in Kashmir, there were many challenges, and maintaining a position in mainstream politics was very difficult due to the separatist movement and its control over the people. People used to follow the Hurriyat Conference blindly and supported everything it advocated. Still, there were people who supported mainstream politics as well. There is a saying that when the former Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad, was asked how many people were with him, how many with the opposition, and what the total population of Kashmir was, he replied “40 lakh” to all three questions. This was meant to explain that the people of Kashmir are with everyone and everything, depending on the time and situation.
There is no generation of Kashmiris that hasn’t witnessed changes in Kashmir over time and how these changes have impacted the overall development of the Valley. Every political party and separatist organization has manipulated Kashmiris in every possible way, using lies and false promises. Mainstream political parties have always tried hard to demonstrate their pro-Indian sentiment to remain in power with the support of the central government, while separatist organizations have shown pro-Pakistan sentiments to manipulate Kashmir. Time and again, it was evident that it was the common Kashmiri who suffered because of this dirty politics. The central government of India never took any decisive steps to prevent the chaos in Kashmir. As an Al Jazeera Journalist said, Kashmir is a political business hub.
Everything was going well for them until the abrogation of Article 370, which marked a turning point in Kashmir’s political scenario. It also led to the downfall of the Hurriyat Conference, stopped Pakistan’s interference, and halted Pakistani funding to separatist leaders. This was something Kashmiris never believed would happen, due to the false promises made by politicians. Once, a Kashmiri politician even swore, “I swear by God, no one will dare to abrogate Article 370.” However, when it did happen, everyone began looking for new ways to keep their business going.
After this change, Kashmir is witnessing more unexpected developments, such as separatists joining mainstream political parties. This is not surprising at all; it was bound to happen because, at this time, it is the only way for them to remain influential. As the Kashmiri saying goes, “WAAW WECHITH NAAW TRAWIN,” which means “Strike the iron while it is hot.” With elections approaching, voter turnout is expected to exceed previous levels, as evidenced by the high voter turnout in the recent Parliament elections.
It is imperative for the people of Kashmir to draw lessons from their past experiences. Politicians often select parties based on personal gain, so voters must carefully choose candidates who they believe will be effective leaders. Alternatively, they should opt for individuals known for their honesty and capability. Familiarity with seasoned politicians reveals a track record of broken promises and failed commitments to the people of Kashmir. Voters need to recognize the significance of their votes. It is the electorate that determines leadership, and it is the leader’s duty to respect and serve the people. There is a stark difference between an elected leader and a bureaucrat who has merely passed an exam to secure their position. Regrettably, we frequently elect politicians who are uneducated or lack real achievements, often turning to politics as a last resort. Voters must be mindful of this when making their choices. It is crucial for Kashmiris to support candidates who are not only well-educated and capable but also committed to fostering development rather than personal enrichment. Now is the time for the people of Kashmir to elect young, educated leaders who can drive meaningful progress and advancement for the region.
In conclusion, the evolving political landscape of Kashmir offers a critical opportunity for its people to reshape their future. The recent changes, including the abrogation of Article 370, highlight the need for a thoughtful and strategic approach to electoral choices. By learning from past experiences and rejecting leaders driven by personal gain, Kashmiris can pave the way for a more stable and progressive future. The path forward lies in electing individuals who are not only well-informed and committed to the region’s development but also capable of addressing its unique challenges. As they move forward, it is essential for the electorate to use their votes wisely, ensuring that their choices contribute to genuine and lasting improvements in the Valley.
Syed Zameer Raza Safvi is an author & freelance writer, can be reached at raza.zameer@gmail.com
